I could only ignore the Steps for so long.  The steps, the beginning of the Dipsea, and the mentally distressing midpoint of the Double Dipsea.  My trainer says it’s time to start running intervals on the steps.  So, in the 6:30am darkness that comes with daylight savings time, I ran five sets of intervals up […]

WIth leftover energy from all the drama of application day, I got out for 6:30 a.m. hill repeats on Railroad Grade. Railroad Grade is a looping dirt fire trail that in 1896 was a rail line used to take visitors to the top of Mt. Tam, a gain of 2500 feet on what was advertised […]

Today is a red letter day on the local running calendar — Dipsea and Double Dipsea application day!   At precisely 4pm, applications for this year’s 7.4 mile Dipsea become available on the Dipsea website.  And because 500 slots are awarded on a “first-to-apply” basis, time is of the essence.  But, like all things Dipsea, it’s […]

They say that downhill skiing is great training for the Bridger.  Pounds the quads like a well-prepared flank steak so that they will be ready for 9,000 feet of grueling downhill over rocks, roots and scrabble.  [Think about that the next time a flight attendant reminds you to raise your tray table and turn off […]

Running in the rain.  It is “El Nino”, so it is to be expected and welcomed with big hugs and open arms.  The phrase, “we need the rain” is currently more ubiquitous than “have a nice day.”   And complaining about the constant droplets from the sky is strictly taboo.     A gentle mist or drizzle […]

We did our office over the GG Bridge to Vista Point run today.  Invited along my 24 year old godson, in town for a visit, currently living in DC, and formerly a collegiate soccer star at William & Mary.  Great athlete, though playing too much golf these days.  He kept up with us well, until […]

My second yoga class, which I’m trying as an alternative to stretches and machines at the gym.  Got the idea from a fellow dad (our sons play baseball together at Tam).   He is an old catcher and I’m an old pitcher, and we share both a love for baseball and an understanding of some of […]

Kid in a candy store, musician with a new guitar, my daughter listening to just-acquired classic vinyl — pick your metaphor — but that’s how I felt when I started playing with my new fancy Garmin Fenix3 sports watch.   Geeky, I know, but on this current training quest, it can make a difference.  Plotting intervals, […]

Teaching old dogs new tricks is as hard as advertised.  For some cross training, I’m learning how to cross country ski using the “skate style” skis you see the Nordic dudes racing on in the Olympics.  They make it look so darn easy and fun!   After a couple of hours of downhill skiing this morning, […]

Yes, bad shit can happen when you get off the couch.  During weekly run this evening from my office over GG Bridge, I pulled up lame after about 4 miles with pain and tightness in right hamstring.  Bummer.  Same leg but different location from injury suffered more than a month ago.  Connected?  Who knows, and […]